New Year, New You: Losing Weight

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Happy New Year Cape Cod! 2016 is more than a week old and for many of us, those New Year’s Resolutions are starting to wear thin. Plenty of Cape Codders have vowed to lose weight and hit the gym, but if you try to do this without a plan, you may not succeed. I recently shared a little about how to create and stick to a fitness program for the new year, now it is time to focus on healthier eating habits. For this, it’s best to ask an expert in nutrition, which is what I did.
Joann Perras is the owner of New Dimensions Weight Loss in Mashpee and Hyannis. She is an RN and has been teaching healthy eating habits for many years.
“Over the past five years my husband and I had another diet plan in our office that worked very well although it was costly,” Perras says. “We decided to start New Dimensions to help anyone who needs to lose weight without breaking the bank.” She was kind enough to share some of the advice she gives to her dieters that will be helpful to those looking to start eating healthier for 2016.
1. Do not skip breakfast. Your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto your fat cells if you do not give it food at the beginning of your day. If you are in a rush a protein shake with raw spinach or kale is a great way to start your day. Use a high powered blender and you don’t even taste the greens.
2. Watch your portion sizes. We have specific portion sizes with our plan. Try putting your food on smaller plates.
3. Drink lots of water, at least half your body weight in ounces. For example if you weigh 120 lbs you should have at least 60 oz of water a day. We require 64 oz a day with our plan
4. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Research shows you burn 20% more calories after a meal if you have had enough sleep.
5. Do the exercise you like so you will actually do it! (For more on getting fit for the new year check out my previous article: https://www.capecod.com/community/new-year-new-you-getting-fit/)
6. Plan your meals ahead of time as to not settle for an unhealthy option.

Though there are many different routes one can take toward living a healthier life in 2016, Joann’s checklist is a great place to start. It’s important to take things one step at a time, whether it’s eating healthier or beginning an exercise plan. Do not give up, just keep moving forward and you ‘ll get there!
For more on Joann Perras and New Dimensions Weight Loss visit their website: http://www.newdimensionsweightloss.com